Nelson Mandela Bay declares 2017 Summer Season open

BY JESICA SLABBERT - NOVEMBER 8, 2017

The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, in partnership with SPAR, on Tuesday declared that the 2017 Summer Season is now officially open during a launch event hosted at Happy Valley, in Summerstrand, Port Elizabeth.

It also announced that residents as well as tourists can look forward to a safe and fun Summer Season. At least 46 events have been created for the 2017 summer season calendar, which seek to promote local offerings as well as activities on the Bay’s prestigious Blue Flag Beaches.

During this season, the Metro expects more than 400 temporary, direct and indirect jobs will be created.

Speaking at the launch, Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Portfolio Councillor for Safety and Security, John Best, stated that regulations and security on the beaches will be upped, and that no alcohol would be allowed on any of the beaches during the season.

“One of the biggest challenges we face during this season is alcohol, so I want to state that we are not going to allow any alcohol on our beaches. The Metro police and the South African police service and the traffic department and security personnel have been instructed of this and will take action,” said Best.

He did state however, that in the designated braai area, by the beacon in Summerstrand, just at the bottom of Admirilty Road, they would allow for the consumption of alcohol.

“We have a new traffic chief and a Metro police chief that has been here for almost a year, and they have assured me that they will aggressively address drinking and driving,” stated Best.

Also speaking at the launch was Portfolio Councillor for Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Siyasanga Sijadu, who stated that the Municipality would do whatever they could to ensure that the Summer Season would be fun for all and safety would be assured.

“The one thing that is quite unfortunate is that this season comes at the backdrop of a water crisis. And because of this there is a stress on which pools will be open for the season. But we are working hard to find ways to keep all our pools open this season,” said Sijadu.

“This year, for the first time in a long time, we are going to have more safety equipment on our beaches. This equipment will assist us in ensuring that lifeguards can perform rescues faster and take care of drowning victims faster.”

Sijadu also stated that the Municipality has heard the cry of local artists, wanting more platforms to perform in the city to showcase their talents, and has dedicated 10% of the budget for the Summer Season to them.

“We want to show that as a city, we do care; we don’t want our artists to leave this city in order to be recognised. They can be recognised here at home, and we are working hard in ensuring that next year we better the number of local artists,” she said.

“We would like to wish each and every resident of this city a wonderful Summer Season. We hope that you will open your home to the various visitors that come to this city. Let’s continue being the Friendly City, the city that cares. I officially declare the Summer Season open.”

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